Wings Head to Rochester in Week 5

Published on February 2, 2011 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Philadelphia Wings News Release


The Philadelphia Wings (3-2) of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) look to make it four wins in a row as they head north to face the Rochester Knighthawks (2-2) on Saturday, February 5. Faceoff is set for 2 p.m. from the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, New York. The game will be available on the NLL Network at www.nll.com.

This past weekend the Wings swept its doubleheader against the Blazers, 11-5 in Boston on Friday and Mammoth, 12-11 at home in the Wells Fargo Center, Saturday. Wings leading scorer Athan Iannucci produced a tremendous weekend for the club, recording 7 goals and 5 assists for 12 points, while goaltender Brandon Miller moved into the top spot for save percentage at 82.5% for the season. Miller was also named NLL Overall Player of the Week. Forward Drew Westervelt turned in 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points of his own in the victories.

Series Notes: Overall: Knighthawks lead 20-15 At Philadelphia: Wings lead 10-8 At Rochester: Rochester leads 12-5 Last Meeting: April 4, 2010; Rochester won in Rochester 15-12 (Blue Cross Arena)

About the Knighthawks: The Knighthawks (2-2) are currently ranked fourth in the NLL Eastern Division. Rochester is currently second in the league on the power play, converting on 46% percent of its chances, and tenth on penalty kills at 38.9%. The Knighthawks are 0-2 this season at home.

After starting the season with a win over Minnesota and a loss to Eastern Division leader Toronto Rock, Rochester enters this weekend's matchup on the heels of a difficult home-and-home series split with the Boston Blazers. Despite pulling out a one-goal win in Boston on January 22, the Knighthawks would fall to Blazers this past Saturday by a margin of 16-7 to remain winless at Blue Cross Arena in 2011.

About the Wings: The Wings, (3-2) are second in the NLL Eastern Division. Philadelphia is seventh in the league on both the power play, converting on 32% of its chances, and sixth on the penalty kill, successfully defending 62% of its opponent's opportunities. The Wings are 2-0 on the road this season.

Athan Iannucci leads the Wings with 11 goals and 11 assists for a total of 22 points this season. He has scored in each of the five games played. Goalie Brandon Miller boasts the best save percentage in the league at 82.5% and the second best goals against, surrendering an average of 8.80 per game.

The Comcast Network will broadcast two upcoming Wings games Live: Saturday, February 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Buffalo Bandits (Comcast Network replay: Monday, February 21 at 7 p.m.) Saturday, February 26 at 8 p.m. vs. the Toronto Rock (Comcast SportsNet replay: Sunday, February 27 at 12 p.m.)

Coaches Corner: Head Coach John Tucker on the past three wins: "It's been a wild journey since last August when we really began the season," Said Coach Tucker. "We realize we are only 5 games into this, but to be down two and then come back and win three is a true testament to our players and coaches. We know there is a long way to go and we have a tough game six this weekend in Rochester. We will need to be at our best to win this weekend."

Head Coach Mike Hasen on the loss to Boston last week: "Almost everything broke down. The level of competitiveness as a team was lacking, guys were battling each other for loose balls and players did not move off of the ball. This is what we will be working on in practice this week to get ready for Philadelphia."

The Wings return home to the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday, February 12 to host the Buffalo Bandits at 7 p.m.

Single game tickets start at $20 and are available exclusively through ComcastTIX on line at ComcastTIX.com, by phone at 1-800-298-4200 or in person at the Well Fargo Center Box Office. Season tickets and multigame packs are also available by calling 215-389-WING.

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National Lacrosse League Stories from February 2, 2011


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